The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

AFTER an hour of travel, the spacecraft carrying Astrid and Ellis arrived at FS08.  This film studio planet specialized in modern settings.  So, most of their film sets matched with the current time.  And FS08 was where the crew of [Blind Justice] was filming.

Arriving at the space port, Ellis had already called a land vehicle to drive them.

"You'll be filming your individual scenes today," Ellis said when they got on the land vehicle, telling him his schedule.  "And then tomorrow you'll film your scenes with Jordan Preston," she added. 

The guy she just mentioned was the one playing the role of the leader of Themis in [Blind Justice].  Basically, he's the show's front man.  According to the research she did, as well as the things she heard from her friend directing the show, the guy had no attitude problems and had good work ethics.  So, she didn't have to worry that her artist would be harassed or something.

This was Astrid's first job as an artist under her care.  She didn't want any sort of drama or problem during this time.  She hoped that everything would go smoothly for him. 

That's why she chose this web drama crew.  Because from the stories she heard from her friend, she could tell that this crew had a good filming environment.  The staffs were good and the main actors and actress were not problematic people.  She wanted to, at least, give Astrid a good filming experience in his first official job.

She glanced at the teenager and saw the other nodding as a response to what she just said.  Then she remembered something.

"By the way, you will start school the day after tomorrow, right?" she asked, remembering that fact.  "Wouldn't it be too tiring for you?"

Two days of shooting and then going to school right after, even she felt a bit tired just thinking about it.  This was her fault.  She should have factored that in before scheduling this shoot.

Seeing the bit of guilt on Ellis' face, Astrid understood almost immediately what the other was thinking.  "It's okay.  Besides, the first day will only be orientation.  There are still no formal classes.  After attending the orientation, I could just go home and rest."

What he didn't mention was that he would probably go to the Imperial Military Academy right after orientation so he could pick up Reas.  If his brother passed the one-week training period, then he would be an official student of the military academy.  He didn't have to be kicked out of the academy tomorrow and he would have to join the opening ceremony the next day.

Astrid had no doubt in his brother's ability.  He was confident that Reas would be able to pass that training.  Anyway, he would know about that tomorrow once his brother was finally able to use his Terminal.     

After Ellis heard Astrid's response, the guilt she felt for not being thoughtful enough lessened a bit.  So, she simply opened her Terminal and sent a message to her friend saying that they were already at FS08.

Similarly, Astrid just opened his Terminal because he received a reply from Lauren.  He messaged the other earlier, asking him if he was free the day after tomorrow. 

Lauren: [I'm not free during the day, but I'm free in the evening.  Why?  Is Astrid asking me on a date?]

That was followed by a cute sticker of a chibi boy with shining eyes.

Astrid chuckled, already used to the other's affectionate manner.  He replied;

Astrid: [If you're free in the evening, then, do you want to have dinner with me and Reas?  It's like a little celebration for our first day at school.]

There was an obvious pause from the other side, as evidence of not so quick reply.

Lauren: [Does your brother really have to be there?]

It was followed by a pouting boy sticker.

Astrid shook his head in amusement and decided to tease the other. 

Astrid: [Why?  Don't you want to see him?  I thought the both of you got along pretty well.  Or am I wrong?]

There was another long paused.  He could already imagine the cramped expression on Lauren's face.  He was certain that if he said the same thing to Reas, his brother would definitely have the same reaction.

Really, these two, from how they acted, it looked as if they couldn't stand each other.  But in Astrid's view, it's obvious that the two were quite comfortable with each other's presence.  Because if not, they wouldn't be bickering as if they had known each other for years. 

Then, he received Lauren's reply.

Lauren: [I decided to not comment, so as not to hurt your expectations.]

Astrid almost laughed when he read that.  Because the other was indirectly telling him that he and Reas definite didn't get along.  He continued to read the message.

[I'll go.  Just send me the address of your apartment.]

After reading that, he sent the other his address.  They chatted a bit more before Lauren said goodbye.  He was actually about to do the same, so, the other doing that was very timely. 

Astrid then closed his Terminal.  He wondered what his brother's reaction would be after he found out about this?  He'd definitely show a grumpy look, as if Astrid just did something annoying.  But would that really be how the other felt?  He doubted it.  Reas' reaction on the outside might be just like that, but what he might feel inside would definitely be much more complicated.

He smiled inwardly.  Ah, young love.  How nice.

Ellis then suddenly spoke, completely interrupting his thoughts.  "We're here."

Astrid glanced outside of the land vehicle and saw that they had arrived in the location of a set.  He got off the land vehicle right after Ellis.  He looked around the set.  Based on the infrastructures he was seeing, this set looked like a city center.  No doubt this was the set of [Blind Justice].

Ellis turned to him.  "Let's go and meet the director."

Astrid only smiled and followed his agent.